Creating a Pipeline to Future Engineers

National Engineers Week 2024

It’s a week to celebrate all the engineers, and how appropriate that this year’s theme is Welcome to the Future!

Louisville Water’s team of engineers have worked hard over the last year creating a pipeline to future engineers at Moore High School and the University of Louisville.

Last month, a large group of engineers met with UofL’s student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineering. Students had the chance to ask the six-member panel all about Louisville Water, the field of engineering, and the various career paths available at Louisville Water and the industry.

“Their interest in all of the opportunities at Louisville Water- the water quality lab, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and civil engineering- prompted the students to request a tour of the Crescent Hill Water Treatment Plant,” said Director of Engineering Jeremy Raney.

In addition, they saw what it looks like to be “boots on the ground” when an emergency happens. Director of Distribution Operations Joe Schmitt and Pat Howard, Manager of the Main Replacement and Rehabilitation Program, shared the work they did in eastern Kentucky following deadly flooding in summer 2022.

Raney said the students were actively engaged in the presentation and asked good questions about the field they’ll be working in one day soon.

He added, “The competition to gain the interest of the best and brightest has grown exponentially in our region. We feel it is critical to maintain and build these relationships to gain more interest in career opportunities with Louisville Water as the number of students interested in engineering has decreased.”

Earlier this month, Manager of Infrastructure Planning David Mulloy was part of a guest lecture presented to students studying water supply and sewage. Mulloy explained the distribution system, how the water travels from our two treatment plants through our large system of water mains and pipes, a system made up of more than 4,200 miles!

“The students asked several interesting questions including the all-important, ‘why does our water taste so much better than everywhere else’?” Mulloy said.

Those already in the water industry are also constantly learning and growing. Last week, Director of Infrastructure Planning and Records Jordan Basham hosted a class for the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) Kentucky-Tennessee section. This is the third year Louisville Water hosted the Industry Perspectives Session of the Water Professionals Leadership Academy (WPLA). WPLA is an annual professional development program that helps water professionals in both states expand their professional skillsets.

Basham said, “This year’s class covered topics such as industry employment trends, Louisville Water’s safety program, the impact of AI and machine learning on the water sector, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Louisville Water is proud to continue to support this program.”

Let’s raise a glass of Louisville Pure Tap® to our talented engineers!